Commanders News: Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett, Carson Wentz and Kazmeir Allen

Commanders gamble on Sam Howell

Sam Howell has left a good first impression this offseason as he looks to confirm his status as the Washington Commanders' future quarterback. There is more hope than ever surrounding the former fifth-round selection and Eric Bieniemy represents one of the finest offensive minds in the business for the signal-caller to lean on throughout the campaign.

With that being said, there isn't much NFL experience for Howell to call upon. Perhaps sitting most of his rookie campaign will serve him well, but the ramifications for Ron Rivera and others will be severe if the one-time North Carolina star cannot meet expectations.

When discussing Howell after placing him at No. 27 in his preseason NFL quarterback rankings, Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus remarked that the Commanders were making a gamble of epic proportions at football's most prestigious position. One that could legitimately go either way.

"Another almost total gamble, [Sam] Howell was given one game late last season to audition for the starting job and performed well in it. He completed 11 of 19 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 35 yards and another score. Howell was seen as a legitimate prospect before sliding all the way to the fifth round of the 2022 draft, but expecting anything above this would be wildly optimistic."

- Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus

Hopefully, for Howell and the Commanders, this will be a mutually beneficial arrangement. If it goes horribly wrong, then many are likely to pay with their jobs under new ownership.